Hong Kong Old Town Central Guide: What to See, Eat and Sip from Day to Night

If you have already seen Hong Kong’s famous skyline, ridden the Star Ferry and checked the city’s biggest attractions off your list, your next visit can take a different turn.

Instead of rushing from one landmark to another, slow down and wander through Old Town Central, one of Hong Kong’s most character-filled neighbourhoods. Here, centuries-old streets meet contemporary art, family-run shops sit beside acclaimed restaurants, and traditional flavours share the same streets as some of the city’s most creative cocktail bars.

The best part? Much of it can be explored along the iconic Central-Mid-Levels Escalator, making it an easy neighbourhood to explore on foot while getting a closer look at everyday Hong Kong.

For Filipino travellers looking to see another side of the city, here is a day-to-night guide to Old Town Central.

Start With the Stories of Old Hong Kong

Old Town Central is more than a collection of tourist stops. Its streets tell the story of how Hong Kong has evolved, with heritage buildings, traditional businesses, markets, temples, restaurants and creative spaces continuing to shape the neighbourhood.

Four themes make it especially easy to explore: Old Town Signatures, Old Town Legacy, Neighbourhood Taste, and Art & Soul.

Each offers a different glimpse into Central, from its historic roots to its modern creative energy.

Step Into the Old Town Signatures

To understand Central, start with the places that have been part of the neighbourhood's everyday life for generations.

Explore the traditional shops, markets and temples that reveal a more familiar, lived-in side of Hong Kong. Wander through Upper Lascar Row, where the atmosphere feels worlds away from the city's glass towers, and take time to explore the local food stalls and businesses that have helped shape the character of the area.

Traditional wet markets and historic temples add another layer to the experience, giving visitors a chance to see the customs and routines that remain part of daily life.

These are the kinds of places where a simple walk can turn into a memorable travel moment.

Walk Through Central's Living History

Central's history is impossible to miss once you know where to look.

Take a walk along Pottinger Street, known for its distinctive granite steps, and continue towards Tai Kwun, the revitalised former police station and prison complex that now combines heritage, culture, art and dining.

History buffs can also visit the Dr Sun Yat-sen Museum, while architecture lovers can look out for traditional tong lau buildings that reflect an earlier chapter of Hong Kong's urban landscape.

The contrast is part of what makes Old Town Central fascinating. Historic structures aren't simply preserved behind museum doors. They remain woven into streets filled with restaurants, shops, galleries and businesses.

Eat Your Way Through the Neighborhood

One of the easiest ways to get to know Hong Kong is through its food.

In Old Town Central, traditional flavours and contemporary dining sit remarkably close together. You can move from a classic cup of tea or a neighbourhood bakery to dim sum, acclaimed restaurants and inventive cocktail bars without going far.

Food lovers can explore local institutions serving familiar Hong Kong flavours, while those looking for a more elevated meal will find acclaimed restaurants throughout the neighbourhood.

And don't forget to leave room for something sweet or refreshing along the way. Traditional drinks, herbal treats and bakery favourites offer plenty of opportunities for a quick stop between sightseeing.

Follow Central's Creative Side

Old Town Central isn't only about history and food. It is also one of the neighbourhoods where Hong Kong's creative spirit is easy to see.

Head towards Hollywood Road to browse galleries, colourful murals, antiques and independent creative spaces. At PMQ, former police married quarters have been transformed into a hub for design, fashion, art and local creativity.

Then continue towards streets such as Wing Lee Street and Tai Ping Shan Street, where historic surroundings and contemporary creative culture come together.

For travellers who enjoy taking photos, browsing independent shops or simply getting away from the usual tourist route, this is one of the most rewarding parts of Central to explore at a leisurely pace.

Let Local Voices Bring Central to Life

For a deeper look at the neighbourhood, a new interactive AR web app can accompany visitors as they explore Old Town Central.

The experience uses motion-activated content at selected locations and immersive audio stories from people connected to the neighborhood. Instead of simply reading about a place, visitors can hear personal perspectives on the businesses, traditions and changes that have shaped Central.

Featured local voices include:

• Bonny Yuen, founder of Yuen's Tailor, a family-run tailoring business with more than 55 years of history.
• Gavin Yeung, co-founder of Kinsman, a Central cocktail bar known for drinks inspired by Cantonese and Chinese spirits.
• Ben Tsui, fourth-generation owner of Kung Lee Herbal Tea Shop, a long-running destination known for fresh sugar cane juice and traditional herbal jelly.
• Cecilia Chan, co-founder of Glocal Mahjong, where visitors can find distinctive mahjong-inspired souvenirs.

Their stories add a personal dimension to the neighbourhood and show how local businesses continue to give Central its personality.

Take a Piece of Old Town Central Home

If you enjoy collecting travel mementos, there is another reason to explore the neighbourhood.

Old Town Maps are available to help visitors navigate Central's heritage sites, creative spaces, local businesses and hidden corners.

Visitors can also get the chance to collect one of five limited-edition Street Sign Pins at Central Market, Tai Kwun, PMQ and participating merchants. A minimum spend of HKD 200 in a single same-day transaction at participating merchants is required for redemption.

It's a small keepsake, but one that can serve as a reminder of the streets and stories encountered along the way.

Keep the Evening Going With a Central Cocktail

Old Town Central doesn't wind down when the sun goes down.

For a limited period, 14 neighbourhood bars will serve Old Town Exclusive Cocktails inspired by the personality and history of Central.

The participating venues include well-known names such as COA, Montana, The Opposites, The Savory Project and Tell Camellia, giving visitors another reason to explore the neighbourhood after dark.

After spending the day walking through historic streets, browsing galleries and sampling local flavours, ending the evening with a cocktail makes for a very different Hong Kong night out.

Plan Your Old Town Central Adventure

Old Town Central offers a refreshing way to spend a day in Hong Kong, especially for travellers returning to the city who want something beyond the usual sightseeing itinerary.

Follow the Central-Mid-Levels Escalator, wander through historic streets, stop for traditional food, browse creative spaces and listen to stories from the people who have helped shape the neighbourhood.

Rather than simply passing through Central, give yourself time to slow down and see how its past and present exist side by side.

For maps, the interactive AR experience, participating venues and the latest information about the Old Town Central programme, visit the Hong Kong Tourism Board website before your trip.